Penguin, 2015. ISBN 978014357296
(Age: 13+) Highly recommended. Child abuse. Domestic violence.
Bullying. Crime. When Cameron hears the stories at his new school
about the person in his house torn apart by a pack of dogs, he
begins to hear them, but investigating his new surrounds further, he
finds children's drawings in the cellar and he begins to hear the
voice of missing child, Jacky. Cameron and his mother have moved
again. She has seen his father's car parked near their house, and
felt the fear creep back in. This small town is a new start, her job
one where she has not had to give employment history or reasons for
her moves, and the rent on the small farmhouse is cheap.
But Cameron must deal with the school bullies, intent on
intimidating him, using the history of his house as a control. While
Mum is becoming warmer towards the real estate agent for whom she
works, Cameron mistrusts him and despite all his attempts, repels
the advances he makes to smooth the water between them. The farmer
next door drops hints about the boy, Jacky, once his best friend,
and his presence causes Cameron a great deal of concern. But Cameron
keeps on investigating, led on by the voice of Jacky showing him
places where the truth may lie. A school project on the history of
the farm proves an ideal subterfuge to his delving, and when he is
suspended from school, he researches the history in the local
newspaper and the real estate agent is able to provide other
information about the farm and who owns it.
All comes together in a very neatly plotted ending, where the father
eventually catches up with his family, using Facebook as a tracking
device, with the stories of abuse in the past colliding with Cameron
and his family, using the bullies from school as the link. This
story of domestic violence, at once shocking and violent is easily
read and will appeal to many lower secondary readers. The setting is
a part of the furniture of the novel and Stratton uses it to mould
the characters, none of whom is one dimensional. I particularly
enjoyed the build up of tension about those people around Cameron.
Who do we trust? And I was pleased that the relationship his mother
forms with her boss is born out of their past unhappiness and
Cameron is included in the decisions. Not all people who pursue
single mothers are suspicious.
Fran Knight
Two unhappy fish by Bingbo
Ill. by Gumi. Starfish Bay Publishing, 2015. ISBN 9780994100269
Everyone is different, everyone is special. And so it is with fish.
In deep crevices in the coral reef two unhappy little fish hide
themselves away and watch, with envy, the other fish playing and
darting by, believing they are too ugly to join in.
Then, WOOSH!!! Their world is upset and they come face to face, with
startling results.
Accepting our peers, however they look, is the key to friendship.
This beautiful book, multi-coloured in an ocean of swirls and
cute-faced fish, would suit younger children aged under 10 years.
J. Kerr-Smith
Various titles by Bingbo
Starfish Bay Children's Books, 2015. The cowardly lion. Ill. by Jianming Zhou. ISBN 9780994100238 The moving house. Ill. by Huanying. ISBN 9780994100252 The pear violin. Ill. by Gumi. ISBN 9780994100245
(Age: 7-9) Chinese Fables. Kindness. Courage. Peace.
Harmony. Friendship. Animals. One of Starfish Bay
Publishing's core goals is to raise children's cultural awareness.
They have chosen to present a very popular Chinese author's stories
to a new audience. Bingbo is a children's literary specialist with
more than 370 books written. In these picture books, he gives his
animal characters human characteristics and uses descriptive
language to illustrate his fables. The moral is inferred;
friendship, overcoming problems, finding peace and harmony are core
values. The cowardly lion. Telulu the cowardly lion looks fierce and
powerful, however, when confronted by another ferocious animal he
shrinks. When faced with a tiger, he becomes as small as a leopard
then seeing a leopard he decreases to a wildcat, then to a mouse.
Both mouse and lion are fearful of each other, their solution to the
problem makes them a united force. With the forest animals cheering
lion on, he faces his fears and returns to normal size with the
mouse still his closest friend. The moving house. Squirrel's decision to build a new house on
a big rock leads to a new adventure. Each night he falls into a deep
sleep and awakes in a new place, near the sea, then near the
beautiful mountains. Squirrel is happy with the change of scenery
until he wakes up with his house sinking in a lake. Tortoise comes
to rescue him and they decide to be upstairs and downstairs friends. The pear violin. Bingbo's story celebrates the power of music
to bring together a community of forest animals. Squirrel finds a
large pear; after eating half, he makes a pear violin using his
whiskers as the strings and small twigs as the bow. His music
carries into the far reaches of the forest, causing the fox to stop
chasing the chicken and lion to stop pursuing rabbit. All the forest
creatures are amazed and gather to hear him play. When a seed falls
to the ground and a magic pear tree springs to life full of special
fruit, the animals make all sorts of stringed instruments and join
together for a moonlight concert.
Chinese illustrators bring Bingbo's anthropomorphic stories to life,
through the use of paint, ink and pencil.
Rhyllis Bignell
Defy by Sara B. Larson
Defy bk 1. Scholastic, 2014. ISBN 9780545695466
(Age: 13+) Fantasy. Romance. After her parents have been brutally
killed, Alexa Hollen is forced to disguise herself as a boy so that
she will not be taken by the King's army. She is an excellent
fighter and soon earns a spot on the prince's elite guard, but even
her skills are not enough to prevent a sorcerer from abducting her,
Prince Damian and Rylan, her companion guard. Forced together as
captives it soon becomes apparent that she is not the only one
hiding a secret.
This fantasy is sure to appeal to young girls who enjoy the idea of
a heroine who has the ability to fight for the welfare of the
country that she loves while having to subdue the feminine side of
herself to avoid the king's wrath. Of course there is a love
triangle and that too will have immediate appeal to the target
audience. What young girl wouldn't want a prince to fall in love
with her? Defy, the first in the series, (followed by Ignite
(2014) and Endure (2016)) is an easy to read book that could
be offered to readers who want something similar to The Hunger
Games or the Divergent series.
Pat Pledger
Zoo train by Sally Sutton
Ill. by Darron Parton. Walker Books, 2015. ISBN 9781922179876
(Age: 3-6) Recommended. Zoos. Animals. Trains. A wintry day at the
zoo and everyone's rugged up with hats, coats and scarves, ready to
board the zoo train. The picnic bag is filled with juice, popcorn
and cake ready for a stop by the lake. Off they go with a
repetitious refrain, chugga chugga choo choo in the open carriages
of the train. First stop and everyone watches as the zoo-keepers
take a wheelbarrow filled with mucky straw from the monkeys' cage.
Oh no, the cage has been left unlocked. As the little red engine
takes the carriages through the zoo,the visitors see the tiger and
lion dozing on their platforms while the giraffe pokes his head out
from his tall home.
When the rhyme and refrain are read aloud, the audience will soon
join in with the train noises. A keen observer will also notice the
monkey antics. Food and clothing start to go missing and on reaching
the lake stop, the young boy shouts:
'Where has all my lunch gone?
Where's my lovely juice?
There's no hat or scarf here!
Yikes! My pants are loose!'
A fun zoo adventure for preschoolers and kindergarten children.
Rhyllis Bignell
Jackaby by William Ritter <br>
Algonquin, 2014. ISBN 9781616203535
(Age: 12+) Highly recommended. Mystery. Paranormal. Historical.
YALSA 2015 Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults. Abigail Rook
arrives in New Fiddleham, New England in 1892; and answers a strange
help-wanted ad that warns 'Do not stare at the frog.' She begins to
work as assistant to R.F. Jackaby, who has the ability 'to see truth
where others see the illusion - and there are many illusions.' He
investigates the unexplained and the unusual and Abigail finds
herself in the middle of chasing down a serial killer. The police
don't believe Jackaby when he is convinced that a non-human is the
murderer and it is up to the pair with the help of a handsome young
detective named Charlie Cane to find out what is going on.
This book has lots going for it. Written in the first person by
Abigail the prose is descriptive, intelligent and often brimming
with humour and wit, which makes it a delight to read. The setting
of the late 1800's is fascinating and Ritter seamlessly takes the
reader on a journey through the streets, police stations and old
homes of the time.
All the characters are complex and multi-layered. Abigail is clever
and determined to have the grand adventure that has been denied to
her by her parents back in England. Her open minded approach to the
strange occupants (including a ghost) of Jackaby's house and her
observant nature of the commonplace make her an ideal companion for
the strange but charismatic Jackaby. The investigations of the chief
police detective Marlowe and the obnoxious Commission Swift, as well
as Charlie Cane, are a perfect foil for the way that Jackaby hunts
down clues.
The humour in this mystery makes it a worthwhile read, while those
who loved the City of Orphans series by Catherine Jinks and
Lockwood & Co. books by Jonathan Stroud, as well as the Sherlock
Holmes TV series, will be in for a real treat.
Pat Pledger
Dear Mum, I love you by Ed Allen<br>
Scholastic, 2015. ISBN 9781743626320
(Age: All) Highly recommended. Dear Mum, I Love You is a
story book featuring letters and amazing images. Each letter tells
us something the child loves about their mum. Each illustration
shows animal babies and their mums together. Remove the letter or
lift the flap to read about great mums. A lovely book for parents to
read with their children! Giggle at the little bunnies busily making
their mum a cake. Smile at the puffer fish as it tells its mum how
she makes it feel safe.
The book is aimed at young readers but is highly recommended for all
readers - no matter the age. Give it to your mum for Mother's Day.
Read it in the class and have students create their own letters.
Kylie Kempster
If you find this by Matthew Baker
Hot Key Books, 2015. ISBN 9781471404528
(Age: 11+) Highly recommended. Bring together 3 misfit boys and 2
grandfathers (who have escaped from the retirement home) and you
have yourself an unusual bunch searching for treasure. Nicholas's
dad lost his job and this means they have to sell their house. In
the backyard is a tree. This tree was planted when his brother died
and Nicholas is determined to save his home from being sold. When
his grandfather is released from jail and starts muttering about
lost heirlooms worth a lot of money, Nicholas's plans are set in
place. With the help of Jordan and Zeke (2 very unlikely
classmates), Nicholas searches for the tattoo clues and the map that
will lead him to the treasure of all treasures and a way for all of
them to save something in their lives.
This novel is highly recommended for boys aged 11+ . The first pages
set up the mystery and the events will have readers engaged as the
boys face bullies, are rejected in their school life and fight for
things that mean something more than themselves. The text is easy to
read and moves quickly. Children will relate to being different, be
exposed to music terms (Nicholas loves Maths, music and the language
of music) and hopefully see that being different is special.
Kylie Kempster
All aboard the Dinosaur Express by Timothy Knapman
Bloomsbury Publishing, 2015. ISBN 9781408849361
Highly recommended for young readers. All Aboard the Dinosaur Express is aimed at young readers - especially boys - who love trains and dinosaurs. It is full of bright images and descriptive language.
As the train enters the station, the young dinosaurs feel excited as they see the Tyrannosaurus steam engine and wing shaped doors. They sit in huge, comfy seats and eat a crazy selection of treats. One dinosaur will be chosen to move to the steam engine and see the train in action. Who will it be?
Parents will enjoy reading the story to their children and talking about all the action and items included in the pictures.
Kylie Kempster
Crystal Force by Joe Ducie
The Rig bk 2. Hot Key Books, 2015. ISBN 9781471404559
(Age: 13+) Recommended. After his daring escape from the most secure prison facility in the world The Rig (2014), Will Drake is on the run with Irene and Tristan the two prisoners who escaped with him. When he escaped he blew up the Rig with devastating results for himself - he has been exposed to Crystal - X - and his arm has begun to mutate into black crystal. Even though Crystal - X has given him supernatural powers and great strength, it could make him go mad. On the run from his enemies he meets a group who have been exposed to Crystal - X and want him to use his powers for good, but he doesn't know who he can trust.
While The Rig (2014) was a thrilling escape story, Crystal Force is an exciting action packed adventure that has Will turning from a clever teen Houdini like character into a super power, and the story will certainly appeal to readers who also enjoy the heroes in Marvel comics. As Will and his companions try to hide from their enemies Will gradually realises that the black crystal is moving up his arm. He also has to contend with a voice that speaks in his head. He and Tristan are both interested in Irene, but the love interest is minor in comparison to the action.
The introduction of Noemi and her team who have been trained to use their superpowers adds an extra dimension to the story. Will is uncertain whether he can trust them and is initially unwilling to go to the place called Haven in Japan because he is most concerned about getting help for his mother who has cancer. Will really holds the reader's focus. He is such a clever character and his actions and what he is able to achieve constantly surprise. There are twists and turns, treachery, and big corporation interest all set against the background of the wonderful city of New York.
This was a page turner of a book and the series is sure to interest all lovers of adventure and may attract the reluctant reader with its Hollywood type action and adventure. The emotional ending is sure to attract the reader to the next book in the series.
Pat Pledger
The Yelling Stones by Oskar Jensen
Hot Key Books, 2015. ISBN 9781471404115
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. The Yelling Stones are said to the bodies of 3 witches who were turned to stone many, many years ago. These stones vibrate with power and draw weird creatures, witches and power seekers to them. Astrid and her family rule the land of the Yelling Stones. Winter is nearly over in the north and young Astrid is ready for an adventure. When a wolf attack leads Leif into her family and her life, Astrid's wish is granted. Leif is a story teller and someone is speaking though him. Are they future predictions or warnings? When the trolls are attacked and witches start to appear, it is up to Astrid and Leif to solve the problem. What is this winged creature in the predictions? Who is this strange man insisting Astrid's family turn to his people's God.
The Yelling Stones is aimed at independent readers aged 10+ and highly recommended for anyone who likes fantasy and mystery. The Danish setting and ways of this old Viking lifestyle will engage readers as our main characters are attacked and encounter strange creatures. The text is easy to read and the events move quickly. The idea of new people entering another country and expecting them to change their ways is a common theme in History and would be a good novel to discuss in the class.
Kylie Kempster
Mind games by Teri Terry
Orchard Books, 2015. ISBN 9781408334256
(Age: Teens) Highly recommended. Mind Games is an exciting read, set in the not too distant future where computers and technology play a scarily dominant role. Luna, a refuser of technology, is an outcast. She one of the few students at her school without an implant (technology created to allow her access to the virtual world - where basically everything from play time to school takes place). Luna, unlike her father, who spends most of his time in the virtual world, his body surviving in his PIP (think matrix plug in tub); is wary of the technology and her peers' obsession with the virtual world, despite being the daughter of the late, infamous hacker, Astra. She listens to her grandmother (in one of her rare moments of lucidity) to not plug in, to not join her friends in the virtual world - to keep her secret: that she was born with a rare gift of double awareness - that is she is aware of her body even when she is plugged in. But PareCo (the organisation who run the virtual world) offer her an internship along with her most gifted classmates and make sure she can't refuse.
Suddenly she is pulled into an exciting yet dangerous new world - one that she has been warned to steer clear of. As her abilities grow (and feelings for Geko, a new love-interest) so does her awareness of the dangers of PareCo. She has been told to follow her instincts - to be wary of who she trusts. But who can she really trust with her secrets?
Terry is a master of her craft, combining elements of her previous series (Slated) into the plot to create a gripping, hard to put down read. This novel is highly recommended for readers hungering for something out-of-box and exhilarating with every turn of the page.
R. Mesner
Blow me a kiss by Karen Collum
New Frontier Publishing, 2015. ISBN 9781925059342
Highly recommended for young readers. Picture book. The power of a kiss is amazing and Samuel's kisses have the power to change people! A beautiful story about how we can all change the world even with the smallest of actions.
Samuel blows kisses to different people as he walks around with his mum. An old man starts dancing. A lady starts to juggle oranges. Another lady smiles at him. Is a kiss really that powerful?
This gorgeous picture book is aimed at young children and would be great for them to read with their parents. It would also be good for the classroom - use it as a model for students to create their own version and investigate ways they can change the world.
Kylie Kempster
Prince of Afghanistan by Louis Nowra
Allen & Unwin, 2015. ISBN 9781743314821
(Age: Teens) Highly recommended. Louis Nowra's first venture into
teenage literature, Into that forest, was a highly literate,
compelling and confronting exploration of the instinctive bonds
between Mankind and Nature. It was not generally appreciated to the
extent it deserved. This, his second novel, is a book of a different
cover - though the writing is no less assured. For this story Nowra
has used the age-old and perennially popular theme of the surviving
hero making his way home, with little more than a talisman. The
setting is wilderness Afghanistan, evoked by pre-chapter
illustrations (mainly stock sourced) that illuminate the hostile
solitude of the landscape. The hero is a young Australian soldier,
Mark, not much older than the implied readership of the book. The
talisman is Prince, a trained war-dog, who has survived the
catastrophic aftermath of a successful rescue mission, in which his
handler is killed. Prince is injured, and temporarily deafened, so
securing a bond with him is more difficult; but Mark is determined
to do so, to save Prince, and himself, by forging a way through the
unforgiving environment.
The pace of the writing is exciting and the author never loses
control. The adrenalin rush of the first chapter remains throughout
as Mark must avoid capture by the Taliban and certain death. Enter
the intriguing character of Ghulam, whose ambivalence and cruelty is
a summation of this conflict over its long history; he doesn't stay
long in the story but his appearance is memorable. In time, hunger
and their acquired injuries become dangers to the pair. The reader
gets to catch a breath at the times when Mark reflects, profoundly,
on the life he has left behind, his damaged father, his own flawed
youth unbecoming of a hero; yet he longs to return.
This is a story for younger teenagers to gain a realistic view of
war; some language, drug references and violence - all in context -
place it beyond the reach of younger readers. The survival
strategies Nowra gives to his character are convincing and the
product of detailed research. It is also a book for older teenagers
who are classed as reluctant readers, particularly boys closer to
Mark's age. The action is vivid; the characterisation, even with
Prince, is authentic; and the message is that war is not worthy of
being glorified. Highly recommended.
Kerry Neary
You can't take an elephant on the bus by Patricia Cleveland-Peck
Ill. by David Tazzyman. Bloomsbury, 2015. ISBN 9781408849828
(Age: Junior primary) Recommended. Transport. Elephants. Size and
shape. London. With two odd looking creatures welcoming the reader
on the opening page, to an array of bus tickets for London Transport
on the title page, the readers know they will be highly entertained
by this fast moving verse story. Each animal represented has been
crowded into a most inappropriate mode of transport which will cause
gales of laughter from the readers and listeners. An elephant on a
bus, what next? Well try a monkey in a shopping trolley or a tiger
on a train, a camel in a sailing boat, and a taxi driven by a seal.
Each causes mayhem as the bus seat is squashed flat, the trolley
skidding out of control in the shopping aisles, the boat turned
upside down, and the taxi causing traffic chaos. Eleven animals are
shown with a mode of transport that will cause hilarity amongst the
readers, and the double page devoted to each is a delight to look
at.
The entertaining illustrations are wildly imaginative as each animal
is shown in its particular form of transport, delighting in the way
they are moving, but by the looks on their faces, aware that there
is some underlying concern. I loved the giraffe stuffed into the
plane and the hippo in the hot air balloon, while the bear and the
ice cream van is hilarious. Each page has lots of things to look at,
ponder and seek out, while the story lends itself to discussions
about forms of transport, size and shape as well as animals of the
world, and the verses will be read over and over again.
Fran Knight
